News
1 March, 2026
Exclusive - Mayor’s talk with Premier about Shire’s priorities lasted less than 15 minutes
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick enjoyed a catch up with Premier Minns this week. Fifteen minutes, in total, from the time the Premier entered the building and from the time he left the building. Photo opportunity included.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick enjoyed a catch up with Premier Minns this week.
Fifteen minutes, in total, from the time the Premier entered the building and from the time he left the building. Photo opportunity included.
Here’s the thing.
Council has claimed the meeting provided an opportunity for the Mayor and the general manager to share its long-term vision for Wingecarribee, discuss the Shire’s priorities and address the evolving needs of the community.
That’s a stretch.
The Premier’s Department has confirmed it was simply a drop by.
We watched the Premier arrive at the Council Chambers in Moss Vale and we watched him leave within 15 minutes.
Allow five minutes for the photo to be taken – at a minimum.
That allows 10 minutes at the very most for the Mayor and General Manager to advocate on the community’s behalf.
Ten minutes with the most influential person in the state.
Council says Mayor Fitzpatrick used the time to “highlight the critical need for significant infrastructure investment to ensure Council can meet growing demand”.
“A key area of discussion was the scale of investment required in water and sewer infrastructure to support current and future populations.
“These projects represent investment in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars.”
According to the Mayor – the discussion also focused on the scale of current and future infrastructure costs and the growing financial strain across the entire local government sector. The Mayor says he also emphasised that regional and rural councils cannot continue to absorb expanding infrastructure responsibilities without clear funding commitments and sustained support from State and Federal governments.
He claims he raised the need for meaningful financial reform, noting that without structural change many councils will face significant sustainability challenges over the next decade
“It was made clear that ongoing rate increases cannot be the sole solution to addressing these pressures.”
He made all of these message clear to the Premier in less than 10 minutes.
“Council thanks Premier Chris Minns for taking the time to meet, acknowledging his very busy schedule,” Council said.
“The discussion was constructive and positive and Council will continue to engage with the Premier’s Office and relevant Ministers to progress and advocate for the Shire’s priorities.”
The Premier’s Office says Chris Minns enjoys a close relationship with Wingecarribee Shire Council but confirmed this week’s meeting lasted minutes.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Moss Vale